End of an era for Gulfstream

The last of one of the industry's best-selling business jets has been delivered.

Gulfstream today announced the final Gulfstream G450 has been handed over as American manufacturer prepares to usher in its successor - the all-new Gulfstream G500.
"For the past 12 years, the G450 has been one of the best-selling business jets in the industry, beloved by pilots and passengers alike for its technological advances, smooth handling, impressive range and unsurpassed passenger comfort," said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. "During its 30-year history, the GIV series transformed business aviation, and the G500 is already well on its way to doing the same, with the industry's first active control sidesticks and the most integrated application of touch-screen controls in the flight deck."
The G450 entered service in 2005 after demonstrating even more range than originally anticipated - 4,350 nautical miles/8,056 kilometers at Mach 0.80. The aircraft can sprint 3,500 nm/6,482 km at Mach 0.85. The G450 fleet, comprising more than 360 aircraft, has amassed more than 964,000 hours and more than 461,000 flights.
"The G450 made its mark in aviation history and remains an important member of the Gulfstream family. We will continue to provide industry-leading product support and sustaining engineering for our G450 customers," Burns said.
Like the G450, the G500 will deliver more range than originally announced. The aircraft will fly 5,200 nm/9,630 km at Mach 0.85 and 4,400 nm/8,149 km at Mach 0.90. Five G500 aircraft are undergoing flight testing, with type certification anticipated in early 2018.